Bladder assembly and associated bore alignment system and method

ABSTRACT

A bladder assembly including an inflatable bladder having an elongated body defining an internal volume, the body being formed as a layered structure that includes an elastomeric layer defining an interior surface of the body, a friction-reducing layer defining an exterior surface of the body, and a jacketing layer positioned between the elastomeric layer and the friction-reducing layer, and a pressurized fluid source in selective fluid communication with the internal volume of the body.

PRIORITY

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 15/132,828 filed onApr. 19, 2016.

FIELD

This application relates to bore alignment and, more particularly, tothe use of an inflatable bladder to effect alignment of two or morebores.

BACKGROUND

Mechanical fasteners, such as pins, rivets, bolts and the like, havelong been used to connect one member to one or more other members. In atypical example, a first bore formed in a first member is aligned with asecond bore formed in a second member. Then, a mechanical fastener(e.g., a pin) is inserted through both bores, thereby inhibitingdisplacement of the first member relative to the second member. Asecurement feature, such as a nut or a cotter pin, may engage themechanical fastener to inhibit unintentional removal of the mechanicalfastener from the bores.

Various aircraft components are connected together with mechanicalfasteners. For example, the wings of an aircraft may be secured to thefuselage with mechanical fasteners, such as bolts. Unfortunately, as thesize of the components being connected together increases, it oftenbecomes more difficult, time-consuming and expensive to align the boresthat will receive the mechanical fasteners.

Tapered alignment pins have been used to align bores prior to insertionof a mechanical fastener. Specifically, tapered alignment pins arethrust (e.g., hammered), often with relatively high force, intomisaligned bores to effect alignment. However, the thrusting process canbe time consuming and can wear off the surface finish on the componentsbeing connected together.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research anddevelopment efforts in the field of bore alignment.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the disclosed bladder assembly may include aninflatable bladder having an elongated body defining an internal volume,the body being formed as a layered structure that includes anelastomeric layer defining an interior surface of the body, afriction-reducing layer defining an exterior surface of the body, and ajacketing layer positioned between the elastomeric layer and thefriction-reducing layer, and a pressurized fluid source in selectivefluid communication with the internal volume of the body.

In one embodiment, the disclosed bore alignment system may include afirst member defining a first bore having a first central axis, a secondmember defining a second bore having a second central axis, wherein thesecond central axis is displaced from the first central axis, and abladder assembly including an inflatable bladder extending through boththe first bore and the second bore, and a pressurized fluid source inselective fluid communication with the inflatable bladder.

In one embodiment, the disclosed bore alignment method may be used toaligning a first bore in a first member with a second bore in a secondmember, wherein the method includes steps of (1) positioning aninflatable bladder to extend through both the first bore and the secondbore and (2) pressurizing the inflatable bladder with a fluid to causethe inflatable bladder to expand into engagement with the first memberand the second member.

Other embodiments of the disclosed bladder assembly and associated borealignment system and method will become apparent from the followingdetailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment ofthe disclosed bladder assembly;

FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the bladderassembly of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view, in section, of one embodiment of thedisclosed bore alignment system, shown with the bores in a misalignedconfiguration;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, in section, of the bore alignmentsystem of FIG. 3, but shown with the bores in an aligned configuration;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view, in section, of the bore alignmentsystem of FIG. 4, but shown with a mechanical fastener extending throughthe aligned bores;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view, in section, of another embodiment ofthe disclosed bore alignment system, shown with the bores in amisaligned configuration;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram depicting one embodiment of the disclosed borealignment method;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an aircraft manufacturing and servicemethodology; and

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an aircraft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the disclosed bladder assembly,generally designated 10, may include an inflatable bladder 12 and apressurized fluid source 14. The inflatable bladder 12 may be inselective fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source 14 byway of one or more fluid lines 16, 18. The bladder assembly 10 mayoptionally further include a manifold 20 and one or more valves 22, 24to control the flow of fluid through the fluid lines 16, 18. Variousadditional components and features may be included in the bladderassembly 10 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The inflatable bladder 12 may include a body 30 that is elongated alonga longitudinal axis A, and that defines an internal volume 31.Therefore, the body 30 of the inflatable bladder 12 may have a maximumlength L and a maximum transverse dimension (e.g., a diameter D) whenthe internal volume 31 of the body 30 is pressurized with a fluid 33from the pressurized fluid source 14. The maximum length L and thediameter D of the body 30 of the inflatable bladder 12 may be dictatedby the intended application of the inflatable bladder 12, such as thedimensions of the particular system 100 (FIG. 3) in which the inflatablebladder 12 is implemented, among other possible factors.

The body 30 of the inflatable bladder 12 may include a first end portion32 and a second end portion 34 longitudinally opposed from the first endportion 32. The first end portion 32 of the body 30 may be sealed.Various techniques may be used to seal the first end portion 32 of thebody 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a first end fitting 36 may besealingly connected to the first end portion 32 of the body 30, such asby bonding (e.g., with adhesives or ultrasonic welding) or mechanically(e.g., with a ring clamp 38, as shown in FIG. 1).

The second end portion 34 of the body 30 of the inflatable bladder 12may also be sealed, but may define a fluid port 40 in fluidcommunication with the internal volume 31 of the body 30. Varioustechniques may be used to seal the second end portion 34 of the body 30,while still providing fluid communication with the internal volume 31 ofthe body 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a second end fitting 42may be sealingly connected to the second end portion 34 of the body 30,such as by bonding (e.g., with adhesives or ultrasonic welding) ormechanically (e.g., with a ring clamp 44, as shown in FIG. 1). Thesecond end fitting 42 may define a bore 46 that may function as thefluid port 40. The second end fitting 42 may include a threaded nipple48 or the like to facilitate coupling the fluid line 16 to the secondend fitting 42, thereby facilitating fluid communication between thepressurized fluid source 14 and the internal volume 31 of the body 30 ofthe inflatable bladder 12.

The body 30 of the inflatable bladder 12 may be flexible and, thus,expandable/collapsible depending on whether the body 30 is pressurized.The body 30 of the inflatable bladder 12 may also be fluid tight or atleast substantially fluid tight (e.g., some insubstantial weeping may bepermitted). Furthermore, the body 30 of the inflatable bladder 12 may becapable of withstanding, without rupturing, pressurization of theinternal volume 31 to the required operating pressures.

Compositionally, various materials (including combinations of materials)may be used to form the body 30 of the inflatable bladder 12. As oneexample, the body 30 of the inflatable bladder 12 may be formed from (ormay include) an elastomeric material, such a rubber (e.g., naturaland/or synthetic rubber). As another example, the body 30 of theinflatable bladder 12 may be formed as a jacketed hose (similar to ajacketed fire hose) that includes a textile jacket received over anelastomeric core.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one particular construction, the body 30 of theinflatable bladder 12 (FIG. 1) may have a layered structure 50 thatincludes an elastomeric layer 52, a jacketing layer 54 and afriction-reducing layer 56. The elastomeric layer 52 may form theinterior surface 58 of the body 30 and the friction-reducing layer 56may form the exterior surface 60 of the body 30. The jacketing layer 54may be positioned between the elastomeric layer 52 and thefriction-reducing layer 56. Additional layers, such as additionalelastomeric layers, additional jacketing layers and/or additionalfriction-reducing layer 56 may be included in the layered structure 50without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The elastomeric layer 52 of the layered structure 50 of the body 30 mayfunction to contain fluid 33 (FIG. 1) within the internal volume 31 ofthe body 30. The elastomeric layer 52 may be formed from (or mayinclude) an elastomeric material or a combination of elastomericmaterials. Therefore, the elastomeric layer 52 may expand as theinternal volume 31 of the body 30 is pressurized by fluid 33 and maycontract as the as the internal volume 31 of the body 30 isdepressurized.

Various elastomeric materials may be used to form the elastomeric layer52 of the layered structure 50 of the body 30. As one specific,non-limiting example, the elastomeric layer 52 may be formed from (ormay include) natural rubber. As another specific, non-limiting example,the elastomeric layer 52 may be formed from (or may include) a syntheticrubber (e.g., polybutadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, etc.).

The jacketing layer 54 of the layered structure 50 of the body 30 mayprovide strength that resists pressure-induced expansion of theunderlying elastomeric layer 52 beyond the confines of the jacketinglayer 54. Therefore, pressure-induced expansion of the elastomeric layer52 may be limited by the dimensions (e.g., the maximum diameter) of thejacketing layer 54.

Because of the pressures involved, the jacketing layer 54 of the layeredstructure 50 of the body 30 may be formed from ballistic fibers. Theballistic fibers may be configured as a fabric (e.g., a woven fabric), amesh or the like. As one specific, non-limiting example, the jacketinglayer 54 may be formed from (or may include) KEVLAR® para-aramidsynthetic fabric, commercially available from E. I. du Pont de Nemoursand Company of Wilmington, Del. As another specific, non-limitingexample, the jacketing layer 54 may be formed from (or may include)SPECTRA® ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber fabriccommercially available from Honeywell Advanced Fibers and Composites ofColonial Heights, Va. As another specific, non-limiting example, thejacketing layer 54 may be formed from (or may include) DYNEEMA®ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber fabric commerciallyavailable from DSM High Performance Fibers B.V. of the Netherlands. Asyet another specific, non-limiting example, the jacketing layer 54 maybe formed from (or may include) ballistic nylon.

The friction-reducing layer 56 of the layered structure 50 of the body30 may form the exterior surface 60 of the body 30. Therefore, thefriction-reducing layer 56 may reduce friction forces between the body30 and surrounding structure (bore walls and edges) as the body 30 isinflated.

The friction-reducing layer 56 of the layered structure 50 of the body30 may be formed from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or may includepolytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., may be formed frompolytetrafluoroethylene-coated materials). The use of polymericmaterials other than polytetrafluoroethylene, which exhibit acoefficient of friction of at most about 0.10, is also contemplated. Asone specific, non-limiting example, the friction-reducing layer 56 maybe a woven fabric formed from (or including) polytetrafluoroethylene. Asanother specific, non-limiting example, the friction-reducing layer 56may be a sheet (e.g., a membrane or film) formed from (or including)polytetrafluoroethylene.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the fluid 33 is supplied to the inflatablebladder 12 from the pressurized fluid source 14 by way of fluid lines16, 18. In one expression, the fluid 33 may be a gas, such as compressedair, nitrogen or the like, and the pressurized fluid source 14 may be(or may include) a compressor. In another expression, the fluid 33 maybe a liquid, such as water, hydraulic fluid or the like, and thepressurized fluid source 14 may be (or may include) a pump, such as agear pump, a screw pump or the like.

A manifold 20 may optionally be disposed between the pressurized fluidsource 14 and the inflatable bladder 12. The manifold 20 may receivefluid 33 from the pressurized fluid source 14 by way of fluid line 18(and valve 22), and may distribute the fluid 33 to multiple inflatablebladders 12 (only one inflatable bladder 12 is shown in FIG. 1) by wayof fluid lines 16, 16′ (and valves 24, 24′).

Referring now to FIG. 3, one embodiment of the disclosed bore alignmentsystem, generally designated 100, may include a first member 102, asecond member 104 and a bladder assembly 10 (only the inflatable bladder12 of the bladder assembly 10 is shown in FIG. 3; see FIG. 1 for theentire bladder assembly 10). The bore alignment system 100 mayoptionally further include a vibrator 106 and/or a lubricant 108.

Various members may be aligned using the disclosed bore alignment system100. In one particular implementation, the first and second members 102,104 of the bore alignment system 100 may be structural members, such asstructural components of an aircraft. In another particularimplementation, the first and second members 102, 104 of the borealignment system 100 may be adjacent fuselage sections of an aircraft.In yet another particular implementation, the first and second members102, 104 of the bore alignment system 100 may be pipe sections.Therefore, the disclosed bore alignment system 100 has broadapplication, and variations in the structure and function of the firstand second members 102, 104 will not result in a departure from thescope of the present disclosure.

The first member 102 of the bore alignment system 100 may define a firstbore 110, which may extend through the first member 102 from a firstsurface 112 of the first member 102 to a second surface 114 of the firstmember 102. The first bore 110 may have a first bore diameter B₁, andmay define a first central axis C₁.

The second member 104 of the bore alignment system 100 may be a clevisor the like and, therefore, may include a first extension member 120 anda second extension member 122. The first extension member 120 may bespaced apart from the second extension member 122 to define a gap 121therebetween. The gap 121 may be sized to receive therein the firstmember 102, as shown in FIG. 3.

The first extension member 120 of the second member 104 may define asecond bore 124, which may extend through the first extension member 120from a first surface 126 of the first extension member 120 to a secondsurface 128 of the first extension member 120. The second bore 124 mayhave a second bore diameter B₂, and may define a second central axis C₂.The second bore diameter B₂ may closely correspond to the first borediameter B₁ (e.g., the second bore diameter B₂ may be substantiallyequal to the first bore diameter B₁).

The second extension member 122 of the second member 104 may define athird bore 130, which may extend through the second extension member 122from a first surface 132 of the second extension member 122 to a secondsurface 134 of the second extension member 122. The third bore 130 mayhave the same diameter (second bore diameter B₂) as the second bore 124,and may be aligned with the second bore 124 along the second centralaxis C₂.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first bore 110 of the first member 102 may bemisaligned with the second and third bores 124, 130 of the second member104. Specifically, the first central axis C₁ of the first bore 110 maybe laterally displaced a distance Δ from the second central axis C₂ ofthe second and third bores 124, 130. The displacement distance Δ may beless than the bore diameter B₂ of the second bore 124.

To effect alignment of the first bore 110 with the second and thirdbores 124, 130, the inflatable bladder 12 may be positioned, while in adeflated/unpressurized state, such that the body 30 of the inflatablebladder 12 extends through the first bore 110 and at least one of thesecond and third bores 124, 130. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, fluid 33 fromthe pressurized fluid source 14 (FIG. 1) may be supplied to theinflatable bladder 12, thereby causing inflation and expansion of theinflatable bladder 12 within the bores 110, 124, 130. This inflation andexpansion of the inflatable bladder 12 within the bores 110, 124, 130may cause the first member 102 to move relative to the second member 104until the bores 110, 124, 130 are aligned (e.g., the displacementdistance Δ (FIG. 1) is reduced to approximately zero).

At this point, it should be appreciated that using an inflatable bladder12 having a body 30 that includes a friction-reducing layer 56 definingthe exterior surface 60 of the body 30 may reduce friction forcesbetween the inflatable bladder 12 and the first and second members 102,104. Without being limited to any particular theory, it is believed thatthe reduction of friction forces achieved by introducing thefriction-reducing layer 56 promotes the development of even tensionalong the exterior surface 60 of the body 30 when the inflatable bladder12 is pressured, thereby developing forces within the members that actto promote motion aligning of the bores 110, 124, 130.

Resistance to alignment of the bores 110, 124, 130 may occur due tofriction between the first member 102 and the second member 104.Therefore, in one optional variation, the vibrator 106 (or pluralvibrators 106 (not shown)) may be coupled with the first member 102, thesecond member 104 or both the first member 102 and the second member104. The vibrator 106 may be actuated during and/or after theinflation/expansion of the inflatable bladder 12 to supply vibration tothe first member 102 and/or the second member 104, thereby reducingfriction therebetween and, as such, promoting alignment of the bores110, 124, 130. Vibration reduces the net friction in three ways: (1) byimparting small random relative motions (momentum of one member relativeto another) such that normal force between surfaces are temporarilyovercome along with the coupled tangential friction force that inhibitsmotion; (2) by imparting relative motion such that where friction stillexists, it exists at the proportionally lower dynamic frictioncoefficient; and (3) by physically displacing the part in the alignmentdirection. A combination of the above factors may improve the alignmentcapability of the bladder system because it effectively eliminates allfriction forces in the system until alignment is achieved. The vibrationfrequency may be selected based on, among other possible factors, theweight and size of the first member 102 and the second member (e.g.,lower frequency for larger members and high frequency for smallermembers).

In another optional variation, lubricant 108 (FIG. 3) may be positionedbetween the first member 102 and the second member 104 prior toinflation/expansion of the inflatable bladder 12. The lubricant 108 maybe a grease, an oil or the like, and may reduce friction between thefirst member 102 and the second member 104 during inflation/expansion ofthe inflatable bladder 12.

In yet another optional variation, the pressure supplied by thepressurized fluid source 14 may be varied over time (rather thanconstant). For example, the pressure supplied by the pressurized fluidsource 14 may alternate between relatively high pressure (surgepressure) and relatively low pressure.

Referring now to FIG. 5, once the first bore 110 has been aligned withthe second and third bores 124, 130, the inflatable bladder 12 may bedeflated and removed from the bores 110, 124, 130 such that a mechanicalfastener 150 may be inserted through the bores 110, 124, 130. Variousmechanical fasteners 150 may be used without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. Non-limiting examples of suitable mechanicalfasteners 150 include pins, rivets and bolts. A securement feature 152,such as nut, cotter pin or the like, may secure the mechanical fastener150 relative to the first and second members 102, 104. Optional washers154 may also be used.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the disclosed borealignment system, generally designated 200, may include a first member202, a second member 204 and a bladder assembly 10 having pluralinflatable bladders 12, 12′ (only the inflatable bladders 12, 12′ andthe manifold 20 are shown in FIG. 6; see FIG. 1 for the entire bladderassembly 10). The first member 202 of the bore alignment system 200 maydefine plural bores 206, 208, 210 and the second member 204 may definecorresponding plural bores 212, 214, 216.

To effect alignment, the first inflatable bladder 12 may be positioned,while in a deflated/unpressurized state, such that the body 30 of thefirst inflatable bladder 12 extends through bore 210 of the first member202 and bore 216 of the second member 204. The second inflatable bladder12′ may be positioned, while in a deflated/unpressurized state, suchthat the body 30 of the second inflatable bladder 12′ extends throughbore 206 of the first member 202 and bore 212 of the second member 204,and then through bore 208 of the first member 202 and bore 214 of thesecond member 204. The inflatable bladders 12, 12′ may then bepressurized to achieve alignment.

Accordingly, the disclosed bore alignment systems 100, 200 may be usedin various ways to align misaligned bores. The length L (FIG. 1) anddiameter D (FIG. 1) of the inflatable bladder 12, as well as the type offluid 33 (FIG. 1) used to pressurize the inflatable bladder 12, maydepend on the particular application, including the size and shape ofthe bores being aligned.

Also disclosed is a bore alignment method. Referring to FIG. 7, oneembodiment of the disclosed bore alignment method, generally designated300, may be used to align a first bore in a first member with a secondbore in a second member. The method 300 may begin at Block 302 with thestep of positioning a lubricant between the first member and the secondmember. The lubricant may be an oil, a grease or the like, and mayreduce friction between the first member and the second member.

At Block 304, an inflatable bladder may be positioned to extend throughboth the first bore and the second bore. The inflatable bladder may bein a deflated/unpressurized state during the positioning step (Block304). Therefore, the inflatable bladder can be positioned in the firstand the second bores even when the first and the second bores aremisaligned.

At Block 306, the inflatable bladder may be pressurized with a fluid.The fluid may be a gas (e.g., compressed air) or a liquid (e.g.,hydraulic fluid or water). Pressurization of the inflatable bladder maycause the inflatable bladder to expand into engagement with the firstmember and the second member, thereby urging into alignment the bores inthe first and the second members.

At Block 308, a vibration may be applied to the first member and/or thesecond member. The frequency of the vibration may depend on the size ofthe first and the second members. Functionally, the vibration may reducefriction between the first member and the second member, therebypromoting alignment. While the vibration (Block 308) is shown in FIG. 7being applied after pressurization (Block 306), in one alternativeaspect, vibration (Block 308) and pressurization (Block 306) may occursimultaneously. In another alternative aspect, vibration (Block 308) maybe applied before pressurization (Block 306).

Optionally, it may be desirable to repeatedly cycle the vibration (Block308) and the pressurization (Block 306). It is conceivable that frictionbetween the bore surfaces and the bladder may be reduced by cyclingpressurization (Block 306) such that the material “reorients” itself onthe inside of the bore as it is successively further aligned.

Examples of the disclosure may be described in the context of anaircraft manufacturing and service method 400, as shown in FIG. 8, andan aircraft 402, as shown in FIG. 9. During pre-production, the aircraftmanufacturing and service method 400 may include specification anddesign 404 of the aircraft 402 and material procurement 406. Duringproduction, component/subassembly manufacturing 408 and systemintegration 410 of the aircraft 402 takes place. Thereafter, theaircraft 402 may go through certification and delivery 412 in order tobe placed in service 414. While in service by a customer, the aircraft402 is scheduled for routine maintenance and service 416, which may alsoinclude modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment and the like.

Each of the processes of method 400 may be performed or carried out by asystem integrator, a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., a customer).For the purposes of this description, a system integrator may includewithout limitation any number of aircraft manufacturers and major-systemsubcontractors; a third party may include without limitation any numberof venders, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be anairline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, and soon.

As shown in FIG. 9, the aircraft 402 produced by example method 400 mayinclude an airframe 418 with a plurality of systems 420 and an interior422. Examples of the plurality of systems 420 may include one or more ofa propulsion system 424, an electrical system 426, a hydraulic system428, and an environmental system 430. Any number of other systems may beincluded.

The disclosed bladder assembly and associated bore alignment system andmethod may be employed during any one or more of the stages of theaircraft manufacturing and service method 400. As one example,components or subassemblies corresponding to component/subassemblymanufacturing 408, system integration 410, and or maintenance andservice 416 may be fabricated or manufactured using the disclosedbladder assembly and associated bore alignment system and method. Asanother example, the airframe 418 and the interior 422 may beconstructed using the disclosed bladder assembly and associated borealignment system and method. Also, one or more apparatus examples,method examples, or a combination thereof may be utilized duringcomponent/subassembly manufacturing 408 and/or system integration 410,for example, by substantially expediting assembly of or reducing thecost of an aircraft 402, such as the airframe 418 and/or the interior422. Similarly, one or more of system examples, method examples, or acombination thereof may be utilized while the aircraft 402 is inservice, for example and without limitation, to maintenance and service416.

The disclosed bladder assembly and associated bore alignment system andmethod are described in the context of aircraft manufacture and service;however, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize thatthe disclosed bladder assembly and associated bore alignment system andmethod may be utilized for a variety of applications. For example, thedisclosed bladder assembly and associated bore alignment system andmethod may be implemented in the manufacture/service of various types ofvehicle including, e.g., helicopters, passenger ships, automobiles andthe like.

Although various embodiments of the disclosed bladder assembly andassociated bore alignment system and method have been shown anddescribed, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art uponreading the specification. The present application includes suchmodifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bore alignment system comprising: a firstmember defining a first bore having a first central axis; a secondmember defining a second bore having a second central axis, wherein saidsecond central axis is displaced from said first central axis; and abladder assembly comprising: an inflatable bladder extending throughboth said first bore and said second bore; and a pressurized fluidsource in selective fluid communication with said inflatable bladder. 2.The bore alignment system of claim 1 wherein said inflatable bladdercomprises an elongated body defining an internal volume, said bodyhaving a maximum diameter when pressurized, wherein said first bore hasa first bore diameter, and wherein said maximum diameter closelycorresponds to said first bore diameter.
 3. The bore alignment system ofclaim 2 wherein said elongated body comprises a sealed first end portionand a sealed second end portion opposed from said first end portion. 4.The bore alignment system of claim 3 wherein said sealed second endportion comprises a fluid port.
 5. The bore alignment system of claim 2wherein said body is formed as a layered structure comprising anelastomeric layer defining an interior surface of said body, afriction-reducing layer defining an exterior surface of said body, and ajacketing layer positioned between said elastomeric layer and saidfriction-reducing layer.
 6. The bore alignment system of claim 5 whereinsaid friction-reducing layer comprises polytetrafluoroethylene.
 7. Thebore alignment system of claim 5 wherein said friction-reducing layer isa woven fabric or a sheet.
 8. The bore alignment system of claim 5wherein said jacketing layer comprises ballistic fibers.
 9. The borealignment system of claim 1 wherein said pressurized fluid sourcecomprises a liquid.
 10. The bore alignment system of claim 1 whereinsaid pressurized fluid source comprises hydraulic fluid.
 11. The borealignment system of claim 1 further comprising a vibrator positioned tosupply vibration to at least one of said first member and said secondmember.
 12. The bore alignment system of claim 1 further comprising alubricant positioned between said first member and said second member.13. The bore alignment system of claim 1 wherein said first member ismoveable relative to said second member.
 14. The bore alignment systemof claim 1 wherein a distance that said first central axis of said firstbore is displaced from said second central axis of said second bore isreduced when said inflatable bladder is pressurized by said pressurizedfluid source.
 15. The bore alignment system of claim 14 wherein saiddistance is reduced to approximately zero.
 16. The bore alignment systemof claim 1 wherein said first member defines a plurality of first boresand said second member defines a plurality of second bores.
 17. The borealignment system of claim 16 wherein said inflatable bladder extendsthrough at least two first bores of said plurality of first bores and atleast two second bores of said plurality of second bores.
 18. The borealignment system of claim 1 wherein said bladder assembly furthercomprises a second inflatable bladder.
 19. The bore alignment system ofclaim 18 wherein said second inflatable bladder extends through a thirdbore in said first member and a fourth bore in said second member. 20.The bore alignment system of claim 18 wherein said second inflatablebladder is in selective fluid communication with said pressurized fluidsource.